cannoncocker

Matt, you is a many splenedered thing! Dog gone you have a background that I don't see how in the world you would settle for a GS-5! I don't know the full story but here is what I do know. Most government jobs are open for hire through the competitive service=those that already are in can apply, all others keep on walking, nothing to see here. special hiring authorities means the job can be filled by the hiring agency, that is not by the usual office of personnel management. this allows the person that interviews you to hire you, rather than only open to the haves and going through the usual beauracracy. that is how I got in. Post Graduate degrees. It has been so long for me but they used KSA's when I was in which covered that discrepancy, the ability to do a thing, rather than having read about it in a book. I wished i had your background and was writing the knowledge, skills, abilities for that. Now you must be willing to move and apply till you think you are ganna go blind but you will meet the right job/interviewer and get your foot in the door. Once in, shine, then you are on your way. I did fine with an undergrad degree but that was 20 years ago. But you should be management material, as your background indicates. I never really had that ability but you do and should capatalize on that. don't defeat yourself with negative thinking. anyway to answer your question special hiring authorities as they used it, means they can hire you, or anybody not in the competetive service. For example dependents overseas were hire under that program/authority. That was the only way I got in when applying in Germany. Again my military service was meaning less other than on a personal level. It may help you get promoted just because you click with your supervisor, but a real bureaucrat only wants to keep their head down, not be noticed, and nothing is personal, aside from their personal advancement, and our government is replete with that. If you are thinking they mean special consideration I think you are mistaaken. what you did, by finding someone on the inside, connecting, then get a start like that is a good move. i have no idea what the series is or the track but at least you are in. Anybody else that has a different take on the special hiring authority please jump in. If someone is seeing a VA psychologist/psychiatrist may well be of assistance getting a person in.

I would agree with that but add, there are background checks and then there are back ground checks. It really has a lot to do with you being truthful and also the job you are applying for. You gonna be carrying the football or filing reports. that matters. In general they get so many requests for checks you will in all likelihood be fine. Paxil, I can't seethat influencing your decision making nor can you be coerced by something like that. Think about it, I got you, your taking paxil for your service to your country. nobody in their right mind would hook you up for that.

Right when I said I had done with this but berta, I did try to dump my rep, and move on to an AMVET guy I met. Again, as soon as he heard the blaspheming words "power of attorney" to some other organization he ran like he was on fire. Why? He has all the clients he needs. backlogged. John999 has been an educator and inspiration to me. there now. I am done. will do this myself right here. when they won't return your calls etc you can assume you goldfish cares more. So how is it you could do worse yourself. How can you loose?

Hi there cowgirl, thank you for the education. The county reps I figured but didn't really see the state coming in. This could just go on and on so we are just in a loop. I have personally seen my local chapter do some good stuff, but it was strictly local. The further from the vets it seems the less bang for your buck but then we have examples that show otherwise. We'll just have to make our own determinations on what works and who works. My beef is that they totally misrepresented what they would provide in the way of claim assistance. Had they come at me saying they needed donations for a Van or even they needed somebody to drive it, just the truth please. this stuff about not responding to your faxes or calls is just beyond the acceptable line for me. Obviously others have had the same experience and others 180 degree different. So it is right where we figured it would be. I do believe the statement that when you do hit a good officer, they will burn out in a few years. But each claim is a personal journey pretty much so the people you meet are going to vary. I have no use for a group that will lie and dodge me, ignore me etc. the local chapter is ok but the in fighting is a little more than I care for so I'd just rather come here get the info and do it myself and maybe donate to the local chapter in cash. No fighting, no lying as far as I know here. Much preferable, but that is just me. I have nothing else to say about this. I personally think our tax/personal money is wasted on the Veteran Service Officers at the Regional Office level. Not written in stone, just my experience. They've straight up lied and ignored me enough to convince me they are there for one reason. A stinking pay check. Nothing personal at all. Reminds me of the recordings of the people selling power to the Calif. residence and laughing at how they were ripping them off. Whatever, Im done with the subject. Pointless and not a thing I can do about it. I do think there is a consensus that they should and could do a better job. Good luck guys

berta, or other member knowledgable regarding VSO funding, I am curious regarding the funding of Legally Chartered Veteran Service Organizations, and it is this: Are VSO's (The Organizations and/or Veteran Service Officers) funded soley by donations, dues, various fund raisers or funded by Congress alone or a combination? Really I guess the question are they, the Officers and Organizations, funded by taxpayer dollars? Please say it is donation and due driven, please. It would be incomprehensible that they could continue to function on donation and dues alone.

This would be a case in point. I called the DAV RO for a list of reduced cost lawyers, not that I need one right now, but I always gather up info when available and the VAMC DAV Rep told me to call. I called, the receptionist said they don't have one of those, then I heard this click sound. I don't need one but you never know so I will write it down. thank you, all information is good for me. You have already done more for me than my so called rep.

"the Army on LSD" you better stop telling your generation! To tell you how thick i am i got some book at the library abut taking the po test and went over it but it sounds like I would have never made it anyway so it saved us all time and achy breaky heart that they didn't let me in the door. i can also say that junk about rain/sleet dark of night may have been true at some point in history, say pony express but they didn't deliver my mail one day and I called and they said well of course they aren't going to deliver your mail in the dark. Yep there's a part 2 to this. Another instance they delivered my VA meds on top of some random mailbox. well 10pm rolls around and i see a spot light hit the house, then comes my name comeout! some thick neck cop wanted to know if these drugs were mine, being blood pressure and thyroid stuff. that was fun for all. they just got tired and put the bag on a box and called it a day. I went to the post master re that incident. Bottom line, go tell your mother, she might care cause I sure don't. How could that place pay so well and be so horride to work at then get defended for absolutely unacceptable performance. Somebody done been hitting the, what'd they call the clear LSD chips, crystal or something? anyway something is clearly wrong with that joint and we should rename this thread stay away from the PO and if you can use vet points, don't use them there.

shoot Papa, don't you get frustrated/depressed. I've claimed that side of the street! Senator Burr's office, who at least does some tracking of your claim, no intervention of course, but they sent me a form letter that said my claim was in the raters area. The next day in my mailbox the Decision letter was in there. Point is this whole thing is a mess. I really wanted to phrase that differently. Actually I have started to pull myself up by the boot strapes and get going again. The physical part isn't any easier but 99% of most any endeavor is psychological. I think I can, I think I can. So I am back on track, rounding up some IME that doesn't require a costly medical referral, and won't charge me my life's saving. I did find a Chiropractor that would play ball and possibly a Neurologist. I sent her my info, not the image disc, just the radiologist evaluations, SMR progress notes etc. I'll get it done but I was just going through the poor me phase. I don't see how any body could go through this without getting down at some point and want to just chunck it in the trash. I no longer give any thought to VSO's at all. They just sent me a ltr. wanting money. Oh buddy I filled that page up with my opionions. I don't think money was involved with my response. In my world you get what you give. You give nothing, you get nothing. Solly chally but untill they start treating me as if I were a real qualified human being they can count me out. Not like I haven't made myself clear on the subject. I think they either ignore me or figure I have had a total psychotic break. Either way they don't bother with me at all anymore. Besides the VAMC DAV Rep I only heard from them once when I single handedly won a 30% plus 10% plus 0% bilateral hearing loss. I'm willing to take bets when my DRO Conference comes around the DAV won't be in the AO. Don't get it wrong, I don't see where they could help given what I have learned here and the VBM/plus the primer C. linked me to. Why would I need daddy to hold my hand? Is this the email address? drbash@doctor.com ? just thought i would get a quote.

Hey there papa. I just said the same thing you've been saying. I just thought another voice would help convince anyone that believes the VA PR machine. As I recall you started as a GS-4 and are now a GS-12. That sir is an accomplishment! They don't hand out 12's on the street corner. I guess SES would be next. They have to come from someplace right.

I am proof you do not need to know anybody in the Government employment to get a goverment job. I concur my military service is irrelevant unless you are being interviewed by a colonel and you were in the Army. Just natural human preference for similar backgrounds. Not a thing to do with any silly pointless point system. That is pure public relations. My experience and advise is get an undergraduate degree in anything, be willing to move to wherever the job is, apply for anything you remotely qualify for. Back when there was a publication they sold that listed the jobs (still in publication) and overseas plus I guess now the jobs USA. But if you combine those three elements you will get a government job. 1. Education 2. Willing to move 3. Apply Apply-Apply-Apply That is the equation, there is no secret recipe. If you think the VA is going to do something for you in this regard you will be waiting a very long time. That is my experience.

I was typing when you posted and you are right with the caveat which is, depends on where you are. The quality of service you receive varies from place to place just as much as people differ in qualities. The one I had in PC, FL was most excellent in the early 1990's. But I think that is even variable which was pointed out by I believe Carlie, they tend to burn out in few years. The one here is known far and wide as not very useful. But really the information you need, at least at the rudimentary level you can get all the help you need here by yourself. The will to win and continue is not something they can give to me here or anyplace else. Necessity is the mother of invention or another way, the only motivational points I have in this is justice (which I have a keen sense for) and not wanting to be a total drain on my family. Other than that they could just.......... But if you have been well served, make use of it as long as you can, and I am sure everybody is happy to hear of your success and luck.

You can wait 50 years and if you think the DAV at W-S is going to call you, there will be cobb webs on the phone. KW, I could have written that, signed it and sold as a biography. There are some differences. They flat told me to stop sending them paper=evidence. They told me all they do is file it. That is a valuable service. So I went a little outside the box and went to the office suppervisor. Well suprise suprise an organization generally is no better than its leader and that was the case here. Well, here I come at Mr. Reese, the DAV big guy, who in fairness to him has more to do than chase my paper trail, but 2 times he put the heat on the W-S Office. They got my file, reviewed it, narrowed down all the BS that I have mentioned elsewhere, and then become so inflamed with me I believe they refer to me as the "Great Satan". They didn't wait for me to get SC, they wanted my cash up front. I came in with 30% via AMVETS who didn't have my power of attorney but somehow one of their VSO's had my file or was in the office and skimmed my file and got me CAD SC without my knowledge. Anyway back to the story, that heat I generated lasted oh i'd say just long enough to dictate a ltr. back to Mr. Reese saying all was wonderful. They are just simply beyond redemption. They take every Friday off for tng., I presume which is the fine art of avoiding veterans and any form work that may present itself. Sending the RO regestered mail. I do that too, but consider this, who are you going to show those slips too that gives a.... that goes for the VA or the DAV. I have plenty of certified slips and even early on return receipts, have them in a box, and as far as I know the best use for them would be starting the fireplace. I found just duplicating my actions intentions etc. on the IRIS system was cheaper and equally effective. You are right that the locs are at least wel intentioned, but have limited experience. They submitted my claim on the wrong form. Many opinions on how to proceed at any given point. You did the right thing by taking the reins and going it alone. I basically, as you did, I did it alone period and went from 30% to 70% plus 0% for bilateral hearing loss which by a algebraic/calculi formula only the government could devise rated me at 60%. Denied the one thing I originally applied for. Insane. I have Emergency room Injury notes/Unit Aid station notes/2MRI's that show Disc Degenerative Disease/extruded/protruded/pinched S1 nerve spent 6.5 years lifting projos over my head that weigh considerably more than I do, far in excess of the NIOSH Lifting Chart, worked sitting in a chair primarily after the military, but I have not proven the orgin of my lumbar injury. the law gernaerally works on "what a reasonable person would do/believe". Obviously they have a different system worked out. What would be unreasonable about believing I injured my back lifting 150 plus lbs over my head with no lifting handles for years as opposed to sitting in a chair? I just don't see how these people, in the face of zero help, a government that just plain lies: example SLR test. Google that. follow the instructions. You pass. Well mysteriously I was SLR negative. How do they continue? I am lossing faith. Honestly I am dead tired of thinking about all things VA. I know they depend on that but gathering up the disc images again, blah-blah I am 100% SC disgusted with the VA and DAV and just ready to rest my mind and body. I am rated at 30% sinus tachycardia which I'm sure the majority here knows exactly what that is but the effect is it makes it difficult to walk far without bending over being out of breath. So all in all My hat is off to the people that can dig deep and fight on. I don't know I can. Heaven knows the DAV hopes not care. Same with he VA except they probably do care, care that I drop dead. I'll take a few days off and see. I salute you for going 3 years. I just don't know. I am so sorry that the DAV has treated someone, that has tanacity and the strength to do what you have done, so badly. I just don't have the words for that. Lots a luck GI

Thanks for the estimate: cancel the rest. Just silly feel sorry for myself junk. As you were. Honest. I was/am concerned about several things in my up coming DRO Hearing. 1. That being pretty close to the top, the cost of a decent rebuttal to their non exiestant claims.$400. - $1,000 is doable, so that is ok. 2. It is getting harder and harder to be as mobil as I was and this requires me to go hear and there, do this and that. The meds for my sinus tachycardia/arrythmia hypertension aren't as effective as they once were and being light headed and short of breath is being more of an obstacle. Not to mention the point at hand, being the lumbar injury, with the concomitant pain a reduced range of motion, which just makes riding in the car anunpleasant experience. Plus it is getting harder to concentrate. 3. Just as worrisome is my concern about them reducing the benefits they have just increased. There would be no medical reason for the DRO to do that since I am only requesting the hearing on the lumbar injury, which they denied, but I don't see anything interferring with their vindictive nature to do that. Yes I have a family that will care for me but do I want to be a 100% drain? Well, of course not. It is a hard decision to make. Go ahead and fight like I should or accept their decision a duck like a coward. Just being honest and I know I am not the only one to wrestle with this dilema. Plus I know I am in this by myself. Believe me when I tell you the W-S DAV will not provide any assitance to me at the DRO Hearing 225 bucks or not.

Your 25 years of clinical treatment gives you more insight than most green psychologists, which I am posting for the sake of those without the benefit of psych degrees, but as far as the VA is concerned that would be irrelevant other than proof of treatment and notes etc. Your Psychology Degree (BA) should be weighted in my opinion since you know most everything a psychologist knows, minus the clincal work and thesis/course work. Point being your statements regarding pschological disorders (Psycho-Pathology) should and I wish I could find the legal standing on that for a undergraduate degree with extensive personal experience in a particular aspect compared to a masters degree with no background except what they have read and learned under the clinical guidance of a professor. Naturally whatever the answer is will be that which benefits the loyal opposition (VA). You have accomplished a lot and should be proud of that. That is a long way to travel! Not just everybody can make such a transition. I suspect though the only thing the VA would consider would be a Phd. in the proper form IAW CFR 38. I haven't received the VBM yet but I suppose that would give guidance on that.

Actually, I better go back and make sure I got the latest and greatest (The new 2009 VBM is coming out on September 15th, 2009) now that you mention it since to me it is costly. Necessary but costly.

CMDR. Bob you nailed it. So many I have spoken with just honestly didn't feel they owed you the time of day. If they spent five minutes on the phone with you was a vast condenscending service to you, which you did not desrerve. Pete: You have a presumption of soundness if you are accepted into service without a disability being noted, and VA has the burden to show the opposite by clear and unmistakable evidence. The VA didn't hesitate to demonstrate clear and unmistakable evidence they deined my chronic anxiety without regard to their or any mental health worker. They stated I could not prove it was service related. I'm not going into the details but did you go on sick call for emotional instability. I personally signed on and wanted to complete the six years I owed my Government. Stupid. But they require proof it was SC and injury marks don't count, at least in my case. I decided to let that drop and focus on the lumbar injury to simplify things and I do have records for that. They don't want to recognize them but what's new? Your moto saying is the most obvious thing in the world. Are they going to accept emotionally unstable kids? Of course not so why is it not incumbent upon the VA to prove your psychological problems come from elsewhere and then exactly where. Whatever, business as usual.

RVN crybabies? OMG. "he had been in combat for four years in WWII" I am sorry but that is not mentally or physically possible. Like they haven't studued that little item to death! I do know my father was a tanker in WWII and his brother came back with bad shell shock but from the horses mouth he said he would take Germany and Patton in a tank over a jungle trail on foot. I've known folks in the Korean War but not in depth but that 4 years in combat is not possible. What you may define that as is up to the individual. BS is what I call it. On another subject I meet this young woman/kid at the VA today and she was totally lost on how to begin her VA journey. Fortunately I had run across hadit so was able to lead her to the water. I wish somebody had done that for me. But Like I said before an oldtimer wised me up that the VA and C&P's even existed. So the circle is complete. Now she has her oldtimer story. No, I'm not that old but to her I'm ancient. I also told her that others have had varying experiences with the NVSO's. She just had to find here own niche and it would not be easy and further nobody cared about her problems as much as she did. That seemed to ring true to her. So that would probably lead her here. I hope. I'm at the yada yada point now. Different strokes and different scenatios for each of us but one thing does remain constant: Do it yourself and you will be assurred all that can be done is being done. Thank you whoever posted the VSO meeting with you one hour before the DRO hearing. In my case they would probably chose to set aside more time, what with the water boarding and all. In all seriousness I really don't think the DAV would show at all. Give them money! You have got to be kidding! Off topic: could somebody give me any general idea what a local IMO from an Osteo/Neurologist/Chiropractor would cost (any). Any ball park figure: I have SMR's/MRI's 2006 and 2008/MRI radiology evaluations/Neurology consult for December 2008. Does need to be precise, just a educated guess for lumbar injury. I just want to know what I am jumping into, since my billfold isn't quite as deep as the US Treasury. Thanks everybody. I just wish everybody had a good experience with VSO's but the reality on the ground does not reflect that.

Cpt. Matt: That is interesting in that I just posted that I had met a VSO and I did state his good intentions. I am not arrogant enough to think I know the intentions of all VSO's at all levels. I can only speak to my experiences in NC, as opposed to Panama City Florida, Bay County years ago who truly cared and won a C&P claim for me I didn't even know I had coming, much less how to go about doing. I had just learned there was a VA from an old timer a few years before while working for Defense Contracting (now look who is calling who old timer). They just had me sign some forms, I went to some exams, and done. But this recent experience, and I am almost certain, on the VSO side, they are overwhelmed with claims, but that doesn't change the fact that I have found one out of many that would not run from the thought of taking on another claim. All other organizations (in my experience) that once they hear power of attorney has gone to another organization, game over. The county rep here has a very negative reputation and that would not repond unless you went to the county commissioners. Only my experience. Certainly not meant to be derogatory to people who care and do their best. They know who they are and as you have shown you know one when you see one. No broad brush here. Though example: the VAMC rep said the VSO VARO office had a list that would be of assistance. He gave me the number. I called, the answer was nope, don't have one of those, click. No inquiries. Just responded as though the phone was lava. I am glad you have had that positive experience! I have not been so fortunate. By my writing I would hope you can discern I am not unreasonable, but I am not their dog, and not stupid. I know when you inquire and they hand it back to you without a single thought. I worked at the Corp Safety Office and attended /conducted safety briefings at the staff meetings. So I am well versed on the dodges an games played, well playing is not what they were doing for sure, but I know when they are blowing me off and couldn't care less. They are not speaking above my head so I am not misinterpreting their intentions or meanings. So much for that and sir your point is well taken.

Pete: I have a undergraduate degree in Psychology and I believe you just defined a sociopath=no conscience. I suppose they do testing for that trait for any position in the VA/VSO employment gene pool. Naturally there are exceptions, which I met a VSO just yesterday, though a little, well, a lot on the uninformed side, but the vast majority neets that criteria. Good call. If this joint was known from the start, advertised better, somehow available to newbies like me earlier in the process, it would cut the lawyer hiring and VSO joining greatly. That is unless you just want to hang out and shoot pool. Nothing wrong with that now I think about it. PS I wonder how they would respond to me posting this site on the bulletin board at my chapter.

That is very true about different ranges of IMO costs of course. I just, well any body thats read this forum for a bit can feel the frustration mounting. Again, as I have said I could just walk away but I refuse to just give them a win. Such Wise words and I had forgotten that honestly, the form over fuction aspect, which is going to be my primary rating mark on who I pay to do the IMO. I have mentioned I worked for years in their DAC world and their is no greater truth than that. Beyond the knowledge I gained here, the encouragement is just as important because if you don't follow through you might as well know nothing about it. Where are my tissues? No, I really do appreciate the considerable help you provide here. And remember, get behind the canon when it is fired, not out front or even with the muzzle or you will bust your ears. Ear plugs right, what did you say? Thank you John

Thank you as always plus I intend to buy Veterans Benefit Manual(VBM) today which will put me up to speed but it really irks me about the idea I am required to pay heaven only knows how much to get some IME to write a report to rebut their IME (who only took x-rays as opposed to MRI's and did not do a slr test, which I failed) paid for with my tax dollars, and who do you think he is going to hop in bed with. Well, with the dude with unlimited funds=US Treasury. Sorry bout that, got carried away. Thank you

Mr. hound sir: That was an excellent if not daunting treatise on IMO's. So I write this down in a outline form, goto cfr 38 and copy the schedule of disabilite rating and go find somebody that I can afford. However this works out, which I already said, I am continuing this because it is a matter of justice, but this was news I can use . Excellent for a layman such a myself, not assuming I know things I don't. Not to complain, because I am nothing if not grateful for all the help, but there is a tendency since a lot of you guys know this stuff forward/backards etc. so you tend to leave out details that are neccessary to actually put the advise into action. Not all, but just an observation. Something to ponder when you consider who you are talking to. thank you very much!

No body voted me medical expert of the year but your condition seems rather advanced but "I refuse to let the VA open me up" was my choice too. they claim like 85% sccuss rate but I suspect that is a bit optimistic. It actually just seems to invariably makes things worse. I'm sure you have seen the postings around here regarding VSO's and the concensus is not very positive. Your lack of mobility is a factor though. If you have a signifcant other to help, that would be great. The knowledge is all here for the asking. I can assure you they don't take every Friday off and will answer your call. Image your goals and you will get there if you continue. Given your condition our society has to have something for you! Best wishes and the prayers are there for you.